NEIL McMANUS HAS called time on his 16-year stint as an Antrim hurler.
The Cushendall forward made his inter-county debut in 2007 against Dublin in the National League, with his last game being the Leinster relegation play-off win against Westmeath last month.
He won the Joe McDonagh Cup in 2020 with Antrim, the same season they won Division 2A. McManus was the top scorer in the division with 3-44 across six games.
The 35-year-old told BBC Sounds’ The GAA Social podcast that he “knew all year” that this would be his last season with Antrim.
“But I go very happy in the knowledge of where the Antrim team are now,” he said.
“They are competing now with the teams who are serious about the knockout end of the championship.
“There are a whole myriad of reasons why I knew this would be my last year.
“You don’t ever want to outstay your welcome – not that I was ever really in danger of doing that.
“But there’s more stuff going on and I’m busier than I’ve ever been with things outside hurling. I want to spend a wee bit more time with my family as well.
McManus told the Irish News: “Things have changed in my life, obviously. I’ve a young daughter. I want to spend more time with her and my wife. I’d spend my day working in Belfast in a fairly demanding job and you train so much nowadays, and then you’re home after bedtime.
“It’s a huge commitment and I never wanted to do it less than 100%. I’m very happy with the way I’m leaving it. I can live with it knowing that I gave it all that I could. I’m really looking forward to giving more to my club.”
Even as a Spurs fan I thought this fellas distribution was a joy to watch-coolness personified
@Baz: city are going to dominate the EPL for years they’re pure class and a joy to watch
In other news expect Hughes to be sacked by Monday
@Mr Nimziki: hopefully the way he was shouting at the West Ham player coming off as a sub was disgraceful.
@Mr Nimziki: definitely next to go. A bit of a surprise though cause i thought they were at least heading in the right direction before this season
I neur heard of him?
World #1 Maybe , him or Neur !
@Is mise muc gránna: who is Nuer? Never heard of him.
@Is mise muc gránna: De Gea would be up there if you ask me! He’s kept United in games they have no right to be in over the past 4 years!
@Daniel Casey: he just doesn’t want to acknowledge any man utd player…its his kinda thing. Bit sad really
@Stephen Coveney: he’s just stirring the pot lads, ignore him. Everyone and their dog knows De Gea is the best keeper in the world.
@Daniel Casey: true only for him the last 4 years United would be mid to lower table easily
@Stephen Foster: Jeez my opionion. Stop getting so bent out of shape. Not everything is about how poor United are. De gea is a fine goalkeeper. Coming on alot. Improved so much he is probably Uniteds best player. Himself and Mignolet doing well. Mignolet the superior in my eyes as he is a phenomenon at saving pens !
To all the muppets giving out about Joe Hart being hard done by, struggling for game at West Ham now……
This world record designation is a bit of a misnomer. If you are talking about in £ equivalent it was a small bit more than Buffon. But in , which both deals would have been concluded in, Buffon was about €50 million to €40 million.
@William Boland: it is, its more trying to spice up articles than add information. The sun style
Stephen Cluxton in disguise